“I think it wastes a lot of taxpayer money,” Smith said, referring to authorities arresting people for possessing marijuana. “Lot of lives get put in prison for nothing. We have alcohol which is legal and it’s far more harmful in my mind.”

Another voter, Kathleen Adkins, said she is “definitely against” the proposal.

“I just feel we have enough problems in society without decriminalizing that,” she said. “ I think it’s just going to give more kids and people a reason to try it than maybe wouldn’t if it’s against the law. And I don’t think it’s conducive to what we need in our city.”

Another voter, David Jarnol, believed punishing people for using pot was already a lost battle for authorities.

“It’s going all over the world now for recreational use,” he said.

About the Author

Aftab Borka, a journalist since 2004, covers southern Oakland County, including Southfield, Farmington Hills and Novi. Reach the author at aftab.borka@oakpress.com
or follow Aftab on Twitter: @AftabBorka.